Asphalt Release Agent

ABSTRACT

A composition for promoting the release of bituminous materials and other adhesive materials from a substrate and methods of use thereof. More particularly, a composition comprising a silicone oil-in-water emulsion, which is stabilized by an alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant, for use as a release agent that can be applied to a substrate, such as a truck bed, prior to use for promoting the free release of a bituminous material, such as asphalt, from the substrate.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of earlier filed U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 13/618,493 and 11/025,878 which were filed Sep.14, 2012 and Dec. 29, 2004 and are now U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,358,579 and8,367,739 respectively as of Jun. 7, 2016. The Ser. No. 13/618,493 was adivisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/025,878; parent ofPCT/US05/02823. By chain of continuity Ser. No. 13/618,493,PCT/US05/42082, and this application claim the benefit of priority ofSer. No. 11/025,878 which was filed Dec. 29, 2004. All afore-mentionedearlier flied applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a composition forpromoting the release of bituminous materials and other adhesivematerials from a substrate and methods of use thereof. Moreparticularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to acomposition comprising a silicone oil-in-water emulsion, which isstabilized by an alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant, for use as arelease agent that can be applied to a substrate, such as a truck bed,prior to use for promoting the free release of a bituminous material,such as an asphalt, from the substrate.

BACKGROUND

Bituminous materials, such as bituminous binders, asphalt, coal tarpitches, and petroleum residue, whether of natural or synthetic origin,are used in many construction and industrial applications, such asroofing, waterproofing, and, in particular, the paving of roadways,parking lots, and the like. In paving applications, a hot asphalt mixtypically is produced at an asphalt processing plant and is transportedto the construction site in a vehicle, e.g., a truck, such as a dumptruck, equipped with a metal bed or other container, such as a trailer.Once the asphalt is transported to the construction site, the asphalt isdischarged from the truck bed or trailer and is applied to existingasphalt pavement or a rock or concrete base using paving equipment, suchas an asphalt spreader and a pressure roller, coupled with the use ofmanual workpieces, such as shovels, rakes, and other tools.

The same properties that gi bituminous binders and asphalt theirdesirable characteristics, for example, toughness and outstandingadhesion to a variety of substrates, can present significant problems inthe course of their use in paving and other applications. For example,the asphalt can adhere to the metal surfaces, such as the truck beds,paving equipment, and workpieces, with which it comes into contact. Suchproblems have been exacerbated by the recent introduction of new typesof asphalt compositions that are modified with organic polymericmaterials, such as synthetic or natural rubbers, thermoplasticelastomers, and thermoplastic resins, which tend to form more tenaciousbonds with a variety of materials and substrates.

The adhesion and buildup of bituminous materials on paving equipment haslong been problematic. The tendency of asphalt to adhere to the metalsurface of the truck bed, for example, prevents the asphalt fromsmoothly sliding out of the bed as the truck attempts to discharge itsload. In such circumstances, workers must manually coax the residualasphalt out of the truck bed, exposing workers to hot asphalt that cancontain hazardous petroleum-based chemicals. Solidified pieces ofasphalt often adhere to the bed despite the workers' best efforts. Thus,asphalt is wasted and material usage suffers. Also, as the hardeneddeposits of asphalt build up on the surface of the truck bed, thedeposits can eventually break off as large solid inclusions insubsequent road mixes, thereby degrading the quality of the appliedproduct. Further, adhesion of residual asphalt to the paving equipmentand workpieces often renders the paving equipment and workpiecesunsuitable for their intended purposes and causes cleanup andmaintenance problems.

Thus, in an effort to circumvent the aforementioned problems which occurduring the transport and handling of hot-mix asphalt, it has beennecessary to treat the surfaces of the truck bed, paving equipment, andworkpieces with a suitable release agent to prevent the asphalt mix fromadhering to the metal surfaces thereof. In the past, petroleum oils,such as diesel fuel (or a similar type of petroleum-based fuel), havebeen used to coat the walls of the truck beds or trailers to facilitateasphalt release. The use of diesel fuel-based release agents, however,has largely fallen into disfavor for several reasons. First, theindiscriminate use of diesel fuel s a release agent can contaminate thesoil and ground water, leading to heightened environmental concerns.Accordingly, the U.S. Department of Transportation and many statehighway departments have restricted the use of diesel fuel as a releaseagent. Second, the use of diesel fuel presents a health risk to workersexposed to the diesel fuel during application. Third, diesel fuel isflammable and thus poses a safety risk when used in the proximity of hotasphalt production or paving equipment. Fourth, the release capabilitiesof diesel fuel decrease over time, for example, during lengthy tripsfrom the asphalt source to the paving project. Finally, dieselfuel-based release agents often act as a solvent to dilute or “cut” theasphalt, thereby degrading the structural integrity of the appliedasphalt product. For example, diesel fuel has a tendency to migrate tothe surface of the pavement, which results in the formation of softspots in the pavement. Further, diesel-fuel based release agents are notalways effective in promoting the release of polymer-modified asphaltcompostions from metal substrates.

Other asphalt release agents known in the art often contain components,such as vegetable oils and animal fats, which also tend to dissolve, andthereby soften, the asphalt material. Although vegetable oils and animalfats are less damaging to the asphalt in this regard than dieselfuel-based release agents, they can still strip bituminous binders fromthe hot-mix asphalt at the elevated temperatures commonly observed inpaving applications and thereby compromise the integrity of the appliedproduct. Most of these release agents also suffer from other undesirablecharacteristics, such as being environmentally hazardous, thermallyunstable, corrosive, prohibitively expensive, and/or of limitedeffectiveness. Also, the delivery, preparation, and application of theserelease agents often can be complex. Further, these release agents oftenrequire frequent applications to promote satisfactory release of theasphalt from the substrate.

Another approach to solving this problem has been to use water-solublecompositions as asphalt release agents. The use of water-basedcompositions is attractive because, as opposed to volatile organicsolvents, water is environmentally benign and relatively inexpensive.One drawback to this approach, however, is that, due to the lowviscosity of water and many aqueous solutions, the film rapidly drainsoff of the substrate, thereby leaving the substrate unprotected. Thus,the aqueous film does not adhere to the substrate for a sufficientamount of time to prevent adhesion of the asphalt to the substrate.

A further desired characteristic for commercially acceptable asphaltrelease agents is that they must be suitable for use shortly afterapplication to a substrate. Accordingly, compostions that provideeffective release only after extended drying periods are not suitablefor use as asphalt release compositions in paving applications. Therequirement of extended drying periods is another potential drawback tothe use of water-based compositions due to the much slower evaporationof water as compared to volatile organic solvents. Further, theformation of stable aqueous emulsions of suitable release agents, suchas polysiloxanes, can be difficult to achieve.

Therefore, there is a long-felt need for an improved asphalt releaseagent, in particular a water-based composition, which is effective inpromoting the release of bituminous materials, such as asphalt, from asubstrate; is environmentally safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable; doesnot degrade or compromise the integrity of the asphalt product adheressufficiently to the substrate to which it is applied; and provides formultiple releases of the bituminous material from the substrate.

Other desirable characteristics in an asphalt release agent wouldinclude: the capability to be applied without the use of volatileorganic solvents and/or specialized equipment; the ability to inhibitthe corrosion of the surfaces to which is applied; thermally stability,so it will not decompose and/or volatilize when contacted with the hotasphalt mix; the ability to inhibit the growth of living organismsduring storage; and a sufficiently high flash point to avoidflammability hazards which might be encountered at the asphalt source orpaving site. Moreover, the release agent should be easy to prepare,deliver and apply even in cold weather conditions. Also, because of thelarge surface areas to be coated and the frequency of the requiredcoatings, the release agent composition should be relatively inexpensiveto produce and apply.

Further, the release composition should be effective for use withdifferent types of bituminous materials, including but not limited to,hot bitumens, bituminous binders, bitumen sheets, coal tar pitches,special-purpose coal tar pitches and formulations comprisingspecial-purpose coal tar pitches, and, various types of asphalts, suchas silent (rubberized) asphalts, polymer-modified asphalts,water-permeable asphalts, abrasion resistant asphalts, colored asphalts,and high-viscosity asphalts.

Accordingly, the presently discussed subject matter was discovered tofill the need for an improved release composition and methods of usethereof for promoting the release of bituminous materials and otheradhesive materials from a substrate.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a composition for promoting the release ofbituminous materials from a substrate. In some embodiments, thecomposition comprises a silicone oil-in-water emulsion, which isstabilized by an alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant. In someembodiments, the silicone oil component of the emulsion comprises asubstituted polysiloxane. In some embodiments, the substitutedpolysiloxane comprises a polydialkylsiloxane. In some embodiments, thesubstituted polysiloxane comprises a polydiarylsiloxane. In someembodiments, the polydialkylsiloxane comprises a polydimethylsiloxane.

In some embodiments, the structure of the alkoxylated polysiloxanesurfactant can be represented as follows:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are each independently selected fromthe group consisting of straight-chain alkyl, branched alkyl,substituted alkyl, aryl, and substituted aryl; n is an integer rangingfrom 1 to 100; and m is an integer ranging from 5 to 200. In someembodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₅ are each independently a loweralkyl group, i.e., a C₁ to C₈ alkyl group. In some embodiments, R₁, R₂,R₃, R₄, and R₅ are each a methyl group and R₆ is an ethyl group.

In some embodiments, the concentration of the silicone oil ranges fromabout 1% by weight to about 45% by weight; the concentration of thealkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant ranges from about 1% by weight toabout 45% by weight and the amount of water ranges from about 10% byweight to about 98% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration ofthe silicone oil ranges from about 1% by weight to about 40% by weight;the concentration of the alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant ranges fromabout 1% by weight to about 20% by weight and the amount of water rangesfrom about 40% by weight to about 90% by weight. In some embodiments,the weight ratio of the silicone oil to the polysiloxane surfactant isabout 1:1. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the composition comprisesabout 5% by weight silicone oil, about 5% by weight alkoxylatedpolysiloxane surfactant, and about 90% by weight water.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises an additive. In someembodiments, the additive comprises a corrosion inhibitor, such as anamine and/or an imidazoline-based inhibitor. In some embodiments, theadditive comprises an anti-ee agent, such as ethylene glycol, to preventthe composition from freezing at very low temperatures.

In some embodiments, a biodegradable polymer, such as alginic acid, polysodium alginate, polylactic acid, and carboxymethylcellulose, is addedto the composition as a viscofier to increase adhesion of the emulsionto the substrate.

In some embodiments, the amine or imidazoline corrosion inhibitor isadded at a concentration ranging from about 0 ppm to about 500 ppm; theanti-freeze agent, e.g., ethylene glycol, is added at a concentrationranging from about 0% by weight to about 10% by weight; and theviscofier, e.g., a biodegradable polymer, is added at a concentrationranging from about 0% by weight to about 10% by weight. In someembodiments, the amine or imidazoline corrosion inhibitor is added at aconcentration ranging from about 0 ppm to about 100 ppm; the anti-freezeagent, e.g., ethylene glycol, s added at a concentration ranging fromabout 0% by weight to about 5% by weight; and the viscofier, e.g., abiodegradable polymer, is added at a concentration ranging from about 0%by weight to about 5% by weight.

It is also desirable to prevent organisms from growing in the releasecomposition during storage. Accordingly, in some embodiments, therelease composition comprises a biocide. It is also desirable to adjustthe pH of the release composition. Accordingly, in some embodiments, therelease composition comprises a pH-adjusting chemical, such as a base.

The presently disclosed subject matter describes a method for promotingthe release of an organic material from a substrate, the methodcomprising:

-   -   (a) providing a substrate;    -   (b) applying a release composition to the substrate before        contacting the substrate with the organic material, wherein the        release composition comprises:        -   (i) a silicone oil component; and        -   (II) an alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant; and    -   (c) contacting the substrate with the organic material.

The presently disclosed subject matter describes a method for releasingasphalt from a substrate, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) applying the release composition as described herein to a        substrate to form a coated substrate;    -   (b) contacting the coated substrate with hot asphalt; and    -   (c) removing the asphalt from the substrate.

The presently disclosed subject matter describes a nonstick coatingcomposition comprising a silicone oil component and an alkoxylatedpolysiloxane.

The presently disclosed subject matter describes a method forsuppressing a release of dust from a work site, such as a roadconstruction site, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) providing the release composition as described herein;    -   (b) diluting the release composition in water to form a diluted        release composition; and    -   (c) applying the diluted release composition to a surface at a        work site.

The presently disclosed subject matter discloses a method of applying anasphalt release composition to a measuring surface of an asphalt qualitycontrol instrument, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) providing an asphalt release composition;    -   (b) providing a measuring surface of an asphalt quality control        instrument; and    -   (c) applying the asphalt release composition to the measuring        surface of the asphalt quality control instrument.

In some embodiments, the asphalt release composition comprises asilicone oil component and an alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant.

A release composition described by the presently disclosed subjectmatter exhibits one or more of several desirable properties, includingbut not limited to, the observation that it is: (1) stable, i.e., willnot separate over an extended period of time; (2) non-corrosive; (3)non-toxic; (4) non-flammable, i.e., does not flash in the closed cupflashpoint tester (5) inert, i.e., does not strip the binder (bitumen)from the asphalt, which is a desired characteristic to preventdeterioration of the hot-mix asphalt by the release agent; (6) watersoluble, i.e., can be diluted with water at any proportion; (7) easilyapplied using spray bottles and other application devices known in theart (8) environmentally benign, i.e., does not contain any organicsolvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pose a hazard to theenvironment; and (9) does not affect the maximum theoretical density(MTD) as measured by the Rice test method (AASHTO T209 or ASTM D2041).Further, in some embodiments, compositions of the presently describedsubject matter allow asphalt to slide free, e.g., be released, from asubstrate at room temperature.

Accordingly, the presently disclosed subject matter provides acomposition for promoting the release of a bituminous material or otheradhesive materials from a substrate and methods of use thereof. This andother aspects are addressed in whole or in part by the presentlydisclosed subject matter. Other aspects will become evident as thedescription proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanyingExamples as best described herein below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying Examples, in whichrepresentative embodiments are shown. The presently disclosed subjectmatter can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should notbe construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the presently disclosedsubject matter to those skilled in the art.

I. NOVEL COMPOSITIONS

Disclosed herein is a composition for promoting the release of abituminous material from a substrate, the composition comprising asilicone oil component and an alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant.

In some embodiments, the silicone oil component comprises a substitutedpolysiloxane. In some embodiments, the substituted polysiloxanecomprises a polydialkylsiloxane. In some embodiments, the substitutedpolysiloxane comprises a polydiarylsiloxane. In some embodiments, thepolydialkylsiloxane comprises a polydimethysiloxane.

In some embodiments, the alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant comprises acompound of the following formula:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are each independently selected fromthe group consisting of straight-chain alkyl, branched alkyl,substituted alkyl, aryl, and substituted aryl; n is an integer rangingfrom 1 to 100; and m is an integer ranging from 5 to 200. In someembodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are each independently a loweralkyl group, e.g., a C₁ to C₈ alkyl group. In some embodiments, R₁, R₂,R₃, R₄, and R₅ each a methyl group and R₆ is an ethyl group.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises:

-   -   (a) from about 1% by weight to about 45% by weight of a silicone        oil component    -   (b) from about 1% by weight to about 45% by weight of a        surfactant, wherein the surfactant comprises an alkoxylated        polysiloxane surfactant; and    -   (c) from about 10% by weight to about 98% by weight water.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 5% by weight of thesilicone oil component, about 5% by weight of the alkoxylatedpolysiloxane surfactant and about 90% by weight water.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises a corrosion inhibitor. Insome embodiments, the corrosion inhibitor is selected from one of anamine and an imidazoline-based inhibitor. In some embodiments, thecomposition comprises from about 0 to about 500 ppm of a corrosioninhibitor.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises an anti-freeze agent. Insome embodiments, the anti-freeze agent comprises an ethylene glycol. Insome embodiments, the composition comprises from about 0% by weight toabout 10% by weight of an anti-freeze agent.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises a viscofier. In someembodiments, the viscofier comprises a biodegradable polymer. In someembodiments, the biodegradable polymer is selected from the groupconsisting of alginic acid, poly sodium alginate, polylactic acid, andcarboxymethylcellulose. In some embodiments, the composition comprisesfrom about 0% by weight to about 10% by weight of a viscofier.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the composition comprises:

-   -   (a) from about 0 to about 500 ppm of a corrosion inhibitor;    -   (b) from about 0% by weight to about 10% by weight of an        anti-freeze agent; and    -   (c) from about 0% by weight to about 10% by weight of a        viscofier.

It is also desirable to prevent organisms from growing in the releasecomposition during storage. Accordingly, in some embodiments, therelease composition comprises a biocide. In some embodiments, thebiocide comprises a bactericide. In some embodiments, the bactericidecomprises sodium benzoate. It is also desirable that the biocide isenvironmentally benign.

It is also desirable to adjust the pH of the release composition.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the release composition comprises apH-adjusting chemical. In some embodiments, the pH-adjusting chemicalcomprises a base. In some embodiments, the base is selected from thegroup consisting of an alkali hydroxide, such as sodium hydroxide,ammonia, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and an amine, including,but not limited to aniline, piperidine, pyridine, alkylamines,dialkylamines, and trialkylamines, such as trimethylamine triethylamine,and diisopropylethylamine. It is also desirable for the base to be amild, environmentally friendly base.

In some embodiments, the composition is non-toxic. In some embodiments,the composition is biodegradable. In some embodiments, the compositionis non-corrosive. In some embodiments, the composition is non-flammable.

In some embodiments, the composition is essentially free of volatileorganic solvents. As used herein, the term “essentially free of volatileorganic solvents” is construed to mean that the composition does notcontain trace amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) above thedetection limits as defined in EPA method 8260B. Office of Solid Waste,United States Environmental Protection Agency, incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

Unless otherwise defined, al technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this presently described subject mater belongs. Allpublications, patent applications, patents, and other referencesmentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Throughout the specification and claims, a given chemical formula orname shall encompass al optical and stereoisomers, as well as racemicmixtures where such stereoisomers and racemic mixtures exist.

While the following terms are believed to be well understood by one ofordinary skill in the art, the following definitions are set forth tofacilitate explanation of the presently described subject matter.

As used herein, the term “siloxane” refers to a compound comprisingbranched or unbranched chains of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms,wherein each silicon atom is separated from its nearest silicon neighborby a single oxygen atom. The term “siloxane” as referred to hereinfurther comprises the term “polysiloxane.” An example of a polysiloxanecan be represented by the following formula:

wherein R is a straight-chain alkyl group, a branched alkyl group, asubstituted alkyl group, an aryl group, or a substituted aryl group asdefined herein below, and m is an integer ranging from 5 to 200. Anexample of a polysiloxane compound is polydimethysiloxane, wherein R isa methyl group.

As used herein the term “silicone oil” refers to a polymeric siloxane ora mixture of polymeric siloxanes as defined hereinabove. An exemplarysilicone oil consists essentially of polydimethylsiloxane.

As used herein the term “alkyl” refers to C₁₋₂₀ inclusive, e.g., analkyl group of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 19 or 20 carbons, linear (i.e., “straight-chain”), branched, orcyclic, saturated or unsaturated (i.e., alkenyl and alkynyl) hydrocarbonchains, including for example, methyl, ethyl, propy, isopropyl, butyl,isobutyl, ter-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, ethyl propenyl, butenyl,pentenyl, hexenyl, octenyl, butadienyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl,hexynyl, heptynyl, and allenyl groups. “Branched” refers to an alkylgroup in which a lower alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, orbutyl group, is attached to a linear alkyl chain. “Lower alkyl” refersto an alkyl group having 1 to about 8 carbon atoms, e.g., an alkyl groupof 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 carbons (i.e., a C₁₋₈ alkyl). “Higher alkyl”refers to an alkyl group having about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms, e.g.,alkyl groups of 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 carbons. Insome embodiments, “alkyl” refers, in particular, to C₁₋₈ straight-chainalkyls, e.g., straight-chain alkyls of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 carbons.In other embodiments, alkyl refers, in particular, to C₁₋₈branched-chain alkyls, e.g., branched-chain alkyls of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7 or 8 carbons. The term “alkylated” refers to a chemical compoundcontaining one or more alkyl groups.

Alkyl groups can optionally be substituted with one or more alkyl groupsubstituents, which can be the same or different. The term “alkyl groupsubstituent” includes but is not limited to alkyl, halo, arylamino,acyl, hydroxy, aryloxyl, alkoxyl, alkylthio, arylthio, aralkoxyl,aralkylthio, carboxyl, alkoxycarbonyl, oxo, and cycloakyl. There can beoptionally inserted along the alkyl chain one or more oxygen, sulfur orsubstituted or unsubstituted nitrogen atoms, wherein the nitrogensubstituent is hydrogen, lower alkyl (also referred to herein as“alkylaminoalkyl”), or aryl.

The term “aliphatic” refers to an organic compound wherein the carbonand hydrogen atoms are arranged in saturated or unsaturated straight orbranched chains, including alkanes, alkenes and alkynes, whereinrepresentative alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes are provided in and areencompassed by the definition of the term “alkyl” hereinabove.

The term “aryl” is used herein to refer to an aromatic substituent thatcan be a single aromatic ring, or multiple aromatic rings that are fusedtogether, linked covalently, or linked to a common group such as amethylene or ethylene moiety. The common linking group also can be acarbonyl as in benzophenone or oxygen as in diphenylether or nitrogen asin diphenylamine. The term “aryl” specifically encompasses heterocyclicaromatic compounds. The aromatic ring(s) can comprise phenyl, naphthyl,biphenyl, diphenylether, diphenylamine and benzophenone, among others.In particular embodiments, the term “aryl” means a cyclic aromaticcomprising about 5 to about 10 carbon atoms, e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10carbon atoms, and including 5- and 6-membered hydrocarbon andheterocyclic aromatic rings.

The aryl group can be optionally substituted with one or more aryl groupsubstituents which can be the same or different, where “aryl groupsubstituent” includes alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, aryloxyl,aralkyloxyl, carboxyl, acyl, halo, nitro, alkoxycarbonyl,aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, acyloxyl, acylamino, aroylamino,carbamoyl, alkylcarbamoyl, dialkylcarbamoyl, arylthio, alkylthio,alkylene, and —NR′R″, where R′ and R″ can be each independentlyhydrogen, alkyl, aryl, and aralkyl.

Specific examples of aryl groups include but are not limited tocyclopentadienyl, phenyl, furan thiophene, pyrrole, pyran pyridine,imidazole, benzimidazo, isothiazole, isoxazole pyrazole, pyrazine,triazine, pyrimidine, quinoline, isoquinoline, indole, carbazole, andthe like.

The term “aromatic” refers to an organic compound containing one or moreunsaturated carbon rings characteristic of the benzene series andrelated organic groups.

The term “alkoxylated” refers to a chemical compound containing one ormore alkoxyl groups as defined herein. The term “alkoxyl” refers to analkyl-O— group, wherein alkyl is as previously described. The term“alkoxyl” as used herein can refer to C₁₋₂₀ inclusive, e.g., ahydrocarbon chain of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 carbons, linear, branched, or cyclic, saturated orunsaturated oxo-hydrocarbon chains, including, for example, methoxy,ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, t-butoxy, and pentoxy. In someembodiments, the alkoxylated polysiloxane is an ethoxylatedpolysiloxane.

The term “acetate” refers to a salt or an ester of acetic acidcontaining the radical group —C(═O)OR, wherein R is a branched orunbranched alkyl group.

The term “ester” refers to an organic compound of the general formula:

wherein R and R′ are the same or different alkyl or aryl groups. Theterm “aliphatic ester” refers to an ester wherein “R” and/or “R′” is analkyl group as defined herein. The term “aromatic ester” refers to anester wherein “R” and/or “R′” is an aryl group as defined herein.

The term “water-soluble” refers to a substance capable of dissolving inwater to form an isotropic solution.

The term “surfactant” refers to a substance capable of reducing thesurface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved. More particularly,surfactants are chemicals that contain hydrophobic and hydrophilicgroups in the same molecule. The balance between the hydrophilic part ofa surfactant and its hydrophilic part is often termed thehydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB). The HLB controls the solubility ofthe surfactant in water or oil, and its ability to stabilize emulsions.In general, according to Bancroft's Rule, see Bancroft. W. D. Journal ofPhysical Chemistry, 17, 507 (1913), water-soluble surfactants stabilizeoil-in-water emulsions, and oil-soluble surfactants stabilizewater-in-oil emulsions. The surfactants incorporated in the presentlydisclosed subject matter are water soluble, i.e., they stabilizeoil-in-water emulsions, are inherently biodegradable and non-toxic, andpose no safety or fire hazards.

The term “viscofier” refers to a substance that when added to a liquidor semi-solid material increases the viscosity thereof.

The term “non-toxic” refers to the relative toxicity of a substance asmeasured by the LD₅₀ (lethal dose 50 percent kill). For example, theoral LD₅₀ in rats of the individual components in representativeembodiments of the release composition described herein are:polydimethysiloxane (>24,000 mg/kg); ethylene glycol (4,700 mg/kg);imidazoline (1,932 mg/kg); alginic acid (1,600 mg/kg); poly sodiumalginate (>5,000 mg/kg); polylactic acid (3,730 mg/kg); andcarboxymethylcellulose (27,000 mg/kg).

The relative toxicity of substances can be compared by use of the Hodgeand Sterner scale. See Hodge. H. C. and Sterner. J. H., Am Indus. Hyg.A. Quart 10, 93-688 (1949); Hodge. H. C. and Sterner. J. H., CombinedTabulation of Toxicity Classes, in Handbook of Toxicology (Spector, W.S., Ed., W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia), Vol. 1 (1956). For example,under the Hodge and Sterner scale, substances with an oral LD₅₀ in ratsof 15,000 mg/kg or more are assigned a toxicity rating of 6 and areconsidered “relatively harmless;” substances with an oral LD₅₀ in ratsof 5,000 to 15,000 are assigned a toxicity rating of 5 are considered“practically non-toxic” and substances with an oral LD₅₀ in rats of 500to 5,000 are assigned a toxicity rating of 4 and are considered“slightly toxic.”

The term “biodegradable” refers to a substance that can be chemicallydegraded via natural effectors, such as bacteria, weather, plants oranimals. Although there is no single definition of biodegradability,throughout the United 10 States and internationally there is a widerange of environmentally preferable definitions. For example, the ASTMstandards committee has defined biodegradability in terms of the degreeof degradation, time, and test methodology. Despite these definitions,there are two widely used designations for biodegradability: readily andinherently. Readily biodegradable is defined as degrading 80 percentwithin 21 days as measured by the decrease of a test sample. This typeof degradation is preferable because, in most cases, the substance willdegrade long before environmental damage has occurred. Thus, readilybiodegradable materials require little in terms of long-termbio-remediation. Inherent biodegradability s defined as having thepropensity to biodegrade, with no indication of timing or degree.Further, relative biodegradability can be determined by use of the UKOffshore Chemical Notification Scheme (OCNS) rating scale. Under theOCNS rating scale, category E is the least toxic category, whereascategory A is the most toxic. Any rating from category C to E typicallysignifies that the material can be readily biodegradable and can benonbioaccumulative. See, e.g., Offshore Chemical Notification Scheme,Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS),United Kingdom Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for adescription of chemical ratings.

The term non-flammable refers to a substance that is not readilyignited. In this respect, the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials regulationsdefine flammable liquids as having a flash point of less than 141° F.(60.55° C.). See U.S. Department of Transportation Hazardous MaterialsRegulations, 49 C.F.R. Part 173.120. Another closely related definitionis found in the U.S. EPA Hazardous Waste regulations. See U.S.Environmental Protection Agency Regulations, 40 C.F.R. Part 261.21. TheEPA regulations define an ignitable liquid as having a flash point lessthan 140° F. (60° C.). Both sets of regulations require the flash pointto be determined by a closed-cup ASTM D-93 method.

The term “biocide” refers to a chemical agent that is capable ofdestroying living organisms or inhibiting their growth. Likewise, theterm “bactericide” refers to a chemical agent that is capable ofdestroying bacteria or inhibiting their growth. A representativebactericide is sodium benzoate.

As used herein, the term “about,” when referring to a value or to anamount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration or percentage ismeant to encompass variations of ±20% or ±10%, in another example ±5%,in another example ±1%, in another example ±0.5%, and in sill anotherexample ±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations areappropriate to perform the disclosed method or to employ the disclosedcomposition.

II. NOVEL METHODS

In some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, a methodof promoting the release of an organic material, such as a bituminousmaterial and/or another adhesive material, from a substrate is provided,the method comprising

-   -   (a) providing a substrate;    -   (b) applying a release composition to the substrate, wherein the        release composition comprises a silicone oil component and an        alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant;    -   (c) contacting the substrate with the organic material.

In some embodiments, the silicone oil component comprises adisubstituted polysiloxane. In some embodiments, the disubstitutedpolysiloxane comprises a polydialkylsiloxane. In some embodiments, thedisubstituted polysiloxane comprises a polydiarylsiloxane. In someembodiments, the polydialkylsiloxane comprises a polydimethysiloxane.

In some embodiments, the alkoxylated polydialkylsiloxane surfactantcomprises a compound of the following formula:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are each independently selected fromthe group consisting of straight-chain alkyl, branched alkyl,substituted alkyl, aryl and substituted aryl; n is an integer rangingfrom 1 to 100; and m is an integer ranging from 5 to 200. In someembodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are each independently a loweralkyl group, i.e., a C₁ to C₈ alkyl group. In some embodiments, R₁, R₂,R₃, R₄, and R₅ are each a methyl group and R₆ is an ethyl group.

In some method embodiments, the release composition comprises:

-   -   (a) from about 1% by weight to about 45% by weight of a        polysiloxane component;    -   (b) from about 1% by weight to about 45% by weight of a        surfactant, wherein the surfactant comprises an alkoxylated        polysiloxane surfactant; and    -   (c) from about 10% by weight to about 98% by weight water.

In some embodiments, the release composition comprises about 5% byweight of the silicone oil component, about 5% by weight of thealkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant and about 90% by weight water.

In some embodiments, the release composition comprises a corrosioninhibitor. In some embodiments, the corrosion inhibitor is selected fromone of an amine and an imidazoline-based inhibitor. In some embodiments,the release composition comprises from about 0 to about 500 ppm of acorrosion inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the release composition comprises an anti-freezeagent. In some embodiments, the anti-freeze agent comprises an ethyleneglycol. In some embodiments, the release composition comprises fromabout 0% by weight to about 10% by weight of an anti-freeze agent.

In some embodiments, the release composition comprises a viscofier. Insome embodiments, the viscofier comprises a biodegradable polymer. Insome embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is selected from the groupconsisting of alginic acid, poly sodium alginate, polylactic acid, andcarboxymethylcellulose. In some embodiments, the release compositioncomprises from about 0% by weight 10 to about 10% by weight of aviscofier.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the release composition comprises:

-   -   (a) from about 0 to about 500 ppm of a corrosion inhibitor    -   (b) from about 0% by weight to about 10% by weight of an        anti-freeze agent; and    -   (c) from about 0% by weight to about 10% by weight of a        viscofier.

In some embodiments, the release composition is non-toxic. In someembodiments, the release composition is biodegradable. In someembodiments, the release composition is non-corrosive. In someembodiments, the release composition is non-flammable. In someembodiments, the release composition is essentially free of volatileorganic solvents.

In some embodiments, the release composition comprises biocide. In someembodiments, the biocide comprises a bactericide. In some embodiments,the bactericide comprises sodium benzoate.

In some embodiments, the release composition comprises a pH-adjustingchemical. In some embodiments, the pH-adjusting chemical comprises abase. In some embodiments, the base is selected from the groupconsisting of an alkali hydroxide, ammonia, sodium carbonate, sodiumbicarbonate, and an amine, including, but not limited to aniline,piperidine, pyridine, alkylamines, dialkylamines, and trialkylamines,such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, and disopropylethylamine.

In some embodiments, the organic material comprises a bituminousmaterial. In some embodiments, the bituminous material is selected fromthe group consisting of a bituminous binder, an asphalt, a resin, a coaltar pitch, a tar, and an automotive undercoating material. In someembodiments, the bituminous material comprises an asphalt. In someembodiments, the asphalt comprises a polymer-modified asphalt.

In some embodiments, the organic malarial is a rubber material, such asa molded rubber or a tire. In some embodiments, the organic material isa plastic material, including a molded plastic material.

In some embodiments, the organic material comprises an adhesivematerial. In some embodiments, the adhesive material comprises a paint.In some embodiments, the paint comprises an automotive paint. In someembodiments, the adhesive material comprises masking tape.

In some embodiments, the substrate comprises a metal substrate. In someembodiments, the metal substrate is on an article used for transportinga bituminous material. In some embodiments, the article used fortransporting the bituminous material comprises a truck bed, such as adump truck bed.

In some embodiment, the metal substrate is on an article used forapplying a bituminous material to a second substrate. In someembodiments, the second substrate is selected from one of an existingpavement and a road base. In some embodiments, the article used forapplying the bituminous material comprises a piece of paving equipment.In some embodiments, the piece of paving equipment comprises an asphaltspreader. In some embodiments, the piece of paving equipment comprises apressure roller.

In some embodiments, the second substrate comprises a building material.In some embodiments, the building material comprises a roofing material.

In some embodiments, the metal substrate is on an article used forhandling a bituminous material. In some embodiments, the article usedfor handling the bituminous material comprises a workpiece. In someembodiments, the workpiece comprises a shovel. In some embodiments, theworkpiece comprises a rake.

In some embodiments, the metal substrate is selected from the groupconsisting of a mold, a die, and a cutting blade. In some embodiments,the metal substrate is selected from the group consisting of a storagedrum, a storage tank, a transport trailer, piping, a roller, and anundercarriage of a vehicle.

In some embodiments, the substrate comprises a non-metal substrate. Insome embodiments, the non-metal substrate is selected from the groupconsisting of a plastic substrate, a rubber substrate, a ceramicsubstrate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the non-metalsubstrate comprises a conducting material. In some embodiments, thenon-metal substrate comprises a non-conducting material. In someembodiments, the non-metal substrate is selected from the groupconsisting of a tire, a roller, and a conveyer belt.

In some embodiments, the non-metal substrate comprises a component of anasphalt quality control instrument, including a nuclear density gauge,such as Model 3450 ROADREADER™ PLUS (Troxler Electronic Laboratories,Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America)and a non-nuclear electromagnetic gauge, such as Model 2701 PAVETRACKER™(Troxier Electronic Laboratories, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NorthCarolina, United States of America). Such gauges can be used formeasuring the density of asphalt, soil, aggregate, and concrete and themoisture content of soil, aggregate, and roofing material. The adhesionof asphalt to the measuring surface of an asphalt quality controlinstrument causes erroneous measurements. Such instruments can have ameasuring surface comprising a metal, a plastic material, a ceramicmaterial, a conducting material, a non-conducting material, andcombinations thereof. Accordingly, the presently disclosed releasecomposition can be applied to the measuring surface of such instrumentsto prevent asphalt from adhering thereon.

Thus, in some embodiments, the asphalt quality control instrumentcomprises a gauge. In some embodiments, the component of the asphaltquality control instrument comprises a measuring surface of the gauge.In some embodiments, the measuring surface of the gauge comprises aprobe.

In some embodiments, the applying of the release composition to thesubstrate comprises a spraying process. Accordingly, the applying of therelease composition to a substrate comprises:

(a) delivering the release composition to a spray nozzle;

(b) flowing the release composition through a spray nozzle; and

(c) spraying the release composition onto the substrate.

In some embodiments, the silicone oil component and the alkoxylatedpolysiloxane surfactant are mixed to form a release compositionconcentrate prior to the delivering of the release composition to thespray nozzle. Further, in some embodiments, a predetermined amount ofwater is added to the release composition concentrate prior to thedelivering of the release composition to the spray nozzle. Thepredetermined amount of water added to the release compositionconcentrate prior to the delivering of the release composition to thespray nozzle can be an amount of water sufficient to allow the releasecomposition to be sprayed onto the substrate. In some embodiments, thepredetermined amount of water added to the concentrate comprises anamount of water sufficient to provide a release composition thatcomprises about 90% water.

In some embodiments, the applying of the release composition to asubstrate comprises delivering the silicone oil component and thealkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant to the spray nozzle separately.Thus, in some embodiments, the silicon oil component and the alkoxylatedpolysiloxane surfactant are mixed in the spray nozzle, for example in anatomizer contained within the spray nozzle. In some embodiments, apredetermined amount of water is delivered to the spray nozzlesimultaneously with the delivering of the silicone oil component and thealkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant. Thus, in some embodiments, thesilicone oil component, the alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant, and thewater are mixed in the spray nozzle, for example in an atomizercontained within the spray nozzle. The predetermined amount of waterdelivered to the spray nozzle simultaneously with the delivering of thesilicone oil component and the alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant canbe an amount of water sufficient to allow the release composition to besprayed onto the substrate. In some embodiments, the predeterminedamount of water delivered to the spray nozzle comprises an amount ofwater sufficient to provide a release composition that comprises about90% water.

In some embodiments, the applying of the release agent to the substratecomprises a coating process.

In some embodiments, the contacting of the substrate with the bituminousmaterial is performed more than one time without repeating the step ofapplying the release composition to the substrate. In some embodiments,the contacting of the substrate with the bituminous material isperformed two times without the step of applying the release compositionto the substrate. In some embodiments, the contacting of the substratewith the bituminous material is performed three or more times withoutrepeating the step of applying the release composition to the substrate.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter describes anonstick coating composition, wherein the nonstick coating compositioncomprises a silicone oil component and an alkoxylated polysiloxane.

In some embodiments of the nonstick coating composition, the siliconeoil component comprises a substituted polysiloxane, wherein thesubstituted polysiloxane is selected from one of a polydialkylsiloxaneand a polydiarylsiloxane. In some embodiments, the polydialkylsiloxanecomprises a polydimethylsiloxane.

In some embodiments of the nonstick coating composition, the alkoxylatedpoysiloxne surfactant comprises a compound of the following formula:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are each independently selected fromthe group consisting of straight-chain alkyl, branched alkyl,substituted alkyl, aryl and substituted aryl; n is an integer rangingfrom 1 to 100; and m is an integer ranging from 5 to 200. In someembodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are each independently loweralkyl. In some embodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, and R₆ are each a methylgroup and R₆ is an ethyl group.

In some embodiments, the nonstick coating composition comprises:

-   -   (a) from about 1% by weight to about 45% by weight of the        silicone oil component;    -   (b) from about 1% by weight to about 45% by weight of the        alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant; and    -   (c) from about 10% by weight to about 98% by weight water.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises:

-   -   (a) about 5% by weight of the silicone oil component;    -   (b) about 5% by weight of the alkoxylated polysiloxane        surfactant; and    -   (c) about 90% by weight water.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter discloses amethod for releasing asphalt from a substrate, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) applying release composition as described herein to a        substrate to form a coated substrate;    -   (b) contacting the coated substrate with hot asphalt; and    -   (c) removing the asphalt from the substrate.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter describes amethod for suppressing a release of dust from a work site, the methodcomprising:

-   -   (a) providing a release composition as described herein;    -   (b) diluting the release composition in water to form a diluted        release composition; and    -   (c) applying the diluted release composition to a surface at a        work site.        In some embodiments, the method further comprises diluting the        release composition in water by one of (a) adding water to a        concentrate of the release composition to form a diluted release        composition before it is applied to the surface at a work site        and (b) mixing water with the release composition a it is        applied to the surface at a work sit. In some embodiments, the        work site is selected from the group consisting of a road        construction site, coal crushing operation, a limestone crushing        operation, and a concrete milling operation.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter discloses amethod of applying an asphalt release composition to a measuring surfaceof an asphalt quality control instrument, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) providing an asphalt release composition;    -   (b) providing a measuring surface of an asphalt quality control        instrument; and    -   (c) applying the asphalt release composition to the measuring        surface of the asphalt quality control instrument.        In some embodiments, the asphalt release composition comprises a        silicone oil component and an alkoxylated polysilane surfactant.

In some embodiments, the silicone oil component comprises a substitutedpolysiloxane, wherein the substituted polysiloxane is selected from oneof a polydialkylsiloxane and a polydiarylsiloxane. In some embodiments,the polydialkylsiloxane comprises a polydimethysiloxane. In someembodiments, the alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant comprises acompound of the following formula:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are each independently selected fromthe group consisting of straight-chain alkyl, branched alkyl,substituted alkyl, aryl and substituted aryl; n is an integer rangingfrom 1 to 100; and m is an integer ranging from 5 to 200. In someembodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ are each independently loweralkyl. In some embodiments, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅ are each a methylgroup and R₆ is an ethyl group.

In some embodiments, the asphalt quality control instrument comprises anuclear density gauge, such as Model 3450 ROADREADER™PLUS (TroxlerElectronic Laboratories, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina,United States of America). In some embodiments, the asphalt qualitycontrol instrument comprises a non-nuclear electromagnetic gauge, suchas Model 2701 PAVETRACKER™ (Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.,Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America). Suchgauges can be used for measuring the density of asphalt, soil,aggregate, and concrete and the moisture content of soil, aggregate, androofing material. The adhesion of asphalt to the measuring surface of anasphalt quality control instrument causes erroneous measurements. Suchinstruments can have a measuring surface comprising a metal, a plasticmaterial, a ceramic material, a conducting material, a non-conductingmaterial, and combinations thereof. Accordingly, the presently disclosedrelease composition can be applied to the measuring surface of suchinstruments to prevent asphalt from adhering thereon.

As used herein, the term “substrate” is to be construed broadly andrefers to various solid materials, which can come into or are in contactwith the bituminous material. Inorganic and organic substrates, as wellas alloys and composites is thereof, are well within the scope of thepresently described subject matter. The term “inorganic substrate” is tobe construed broadly and refers to substrates comprising variousmetallic and ceramic materials. Exemplary substrates can be present inand/or on transport containers, equipment, and workplaces used in pavingapplications.

The term “bituminous material,” as understood in the art, is a materialthat contains “bitumen.” Bitumen is the predominant constituent ofpetroleum residues, including asphalt. As known in the art, “bitumen” isdefined as a mixture of hydrocarbons occurring in petroleum residue, andis a component of asphalt and tar that are used, for example, forsurfacing roads. The term “bitumen” as used herein includes, but is notlimited to, highway paving bitumens, industrial bitumens, bituminousbinders, for example in the form of solutions and emulsions,polymer-modified bitumens and asphalts, natural asphalts, industrialasphalts, bitumen sheets, coal tar pitches, special-purpose coal tarpitches and formulations comprising special-purpose coal tar pitchessuch as highway pitches, coal tar binder pitches, coal tar impregnatingpitches, prepared pitches, pitch suspensions and special-purpose coaltar pitches with minerals. Since at conventional temperatures, bitumens,bituminous binders and asphalts are fairly solid and relativelyunaffected by water, they are used extensively to “asphalt” trafficareas, such as highways, lots and streets (in admixture with a largenumber of other materials) and roofs, and also to produce roofing felts.

Further, asphaltenes can be present as part of the bitumen. The term“asphaltene” is defined to include components of the high boiling pointfraction of the crude oil, which are composed of polynuclear aromatichydrocarbons of molecular weights ranging from about 500 to about 2000daltons or greater and aggregate molecular weights of up to about 20.000daltons joined by alkyl chains. See, e.g., Hawley's Condensed ChemicalDictionary, 12^(th) Ed. (Richard J. Lewis, Sr., Ed.) (1993), at 101.Asphaltenes are understood by one of ordinary skill in the art toinclude the toluene-soluble fraction of crude oil that is insoluble inn-heptane or n-pentane. Other components, such as, for example, oils,waxes, resins, pitch, tar and tack, also can be present in thebituminous material.

The term “asphalt” as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, isa product of crude oil refining processing, giving rise to a cement-icematerial containing bitumen. In an exemplary process, crude oil isdistilled in a primary flash distillation column, the residue of whichis introduced to an atmospheric distillation column. The residue of theatmospheric distillation process is typically distilled under reducedpressure, e.g., vacuum distillation, and the residue is termed“asphalt.” The asphalt produced from the vacuum distillation of crudeoil typically has softening points ranging from about 25° C. to about55° C. Asphalts of intermediate softening points can be made, forexample, by blending with higher and lower softening point asphalts. Ifthe asphalt has a low softening point, it can be hardened by furtherdistillation with steam or by oxidation, e.g., air blowing. Furthermore,asphalt also can be produced by propane deasphalting during theproduction of lubricating oils from crude oil residua. The asphaltproduced by propane deasphalting can have a softening point of about 90°C. Softer grades can be made by blending the hard asphalt with theextract obtained in the solvent treatment of lubricating oils.

Accordingly, “asphalt” generally can be defined as the residue ofmixed-base and asphalt-base crude oils. Asphalt is difficult to distilleven under the highest vacuum, because the temperatures used tend topromote formation of coke. Asphalts have complex chemical and physicalcompositions, which usually vary with the source of the crude oil.Asphalt generally comprise dispersions of particles, called asphaltenesas described hereinabove, in a high-boiling fluid comprising oil andresins. The nature of the asphalt is often determined by such factors asthe nature of the medium. e.g., paraffinic or aromatic, as well as thenature and proportion of the asphaltenes and of the resins. The polarand fused ring portions of the asphaltenes have been suggested to belyophobic, that is, they lack an affinity for the medium in which theyare dispersed. In contrast, the resins are considered to be lyophilic,that is, they exhibit an affinity for the medium in which they aredispersed. The interaction of the resins with the asphaltenes isbelieved to be responsible for asphaltene solvation or dispersion, whichappears to exercise marked control on the quality of the asphalt. Theasphaltenes vary in character, but typically are of sufficiently highmolecular weight or aggregate size to require salvation or dispersion bythe resins.

For the purposes of the presently disclosed subject matter, the termasphalt includes crude asphalt, as well as, without limitation, thefollowing finished products: cements, flues, the asphalt content ofemulsions, and petroleum distillates blended with asphalts to makecutback asphalts. Cutbacks and emulsions compose liquid asphalts. Acutback can be defined as a cement that has been liquefied withsolvents, such as, for example, naptha or gasoline or kerosene.Emulsified asphalts are mixtures of asphalt cement, water, and anemulsifying agent.

A typical paving asphalt mixture comprises a mixture of components,including an asphalt composition or cement and aggregate or aggregatematerial usually containing rock and/or gravel. In such mixtures, theratio of asphalt composition to the aggregate material varies, forexample, according to the aggregate material type and the nature of theasphalt composition. As used herein, the terms “asphalt composition” or“asphalt cement” are understood to refer to any of a variety of organicmaterials, solid or semi-solid at room temperature, which graduallyliquefy when heated, and in which the predominant constituents arenaturally occurring bitumens or residues commonly obtained in petroleum,synthetic petroleum, shale oil refining, or from coal tar, or the like.A “paving asphalt composition” or “paving asphalt cement,” accordingly,is an asphalt composition or asphalt cement having characteristics whichdispose the composition for use as a paving material, as contrasted, forexample, with an asphalt composition suited for use as a roofingmaterial. “Roofing asphalt.” for example, usually has a higher softeningpoint, and is thus more resistant to flow from heat on roofs. The highersoftening point is generally imparted to the material by the air blowingprocesses used for producing the material. The presently disclosedrelease composition can be used with any type of asphalt composition oraggregate mix therewith, including, but not limited to, paving gradeasphalt and roofing asphalt.

Paving asphalt mixtures can be formed and applied in a variety of ways.For example, the paving asphalt composition and the aggregate aretypically mixed and applied at elevated temperatures at the fluid stateof the paving asphalt composition to form the pavement or road surface.The asphalt composition also can be applied in alternating layers withthe aggregate mix. The paving grade asphalt compositions can compriseany known bituminous or asphaltic substance obtained from naturalsources and/or derived from petroleum, shale oil, coal tar, and thelike, as well as mixtures of two or more of such materials. The pavingasphalt compositions often are referred to as viscosity or penetrationgrade asphalt having original penetrations up to 400 as measured by ASTMmethod D948-82. Exemplary asphalts include the normal paving asphalts,such as AC2.5, AC5, AC10, AC20, AC30, and AC40, wherein “AC” is definedas “asphalt cement” and the accompanying number indicates the viscosityat 60° C. in Poise multiplied by 100. Typical of such asphalts are thestraight run asphalts derived from the atmospheric, steam and/or vacuumdistillation of crude oils, or those asphalts derived from solventprecipitation treatments or raw lubricating oils and their fractions.Also included in these asphalts, are the thermal or “cracked” asphalts,which are separated as cracker bottom residues from refinery crackingoperations and the asphalt produced as by-products in hydro-refiningoperations. Another such asphalt is the vacuum tower bottoms that areproduced during the refining of synthetic or petroleum oils. The asphaltcan be treated or modified before use.

The presently disclosed compositions and methods can be used forpromoting the release of bituminous materials, such as asphalts, from avariety of substrates in a number of applications. Exemplaryapplications of the presently disclosed subject matter include, withoutlimitation, coating the surfaces of transporting containers, equipmentand workplaces used in: paving roads, highways, parking lots, and thelike; waterproofing roads, highways, parking lots, and the like;dampproofing and waterproofing buildings and structures; and installingroofing materials.

III. REPRESENTATIVE APPLICATIONS

The presently disclosed compositions and methods can be used forpromoting the release of organic materials from a substrate in a numberof varied applications. Exemplary applications include, withoutlimitation:

Agricultural applications, such as: cattle sprays, dampproofing andwaterproofing buildings and structures, disinfectants, fence postcoating, mulches, mulching paper, paved barn floors, barnyards, feedplatforms, and the lie, protecting tanks, vats, and the lice, protectionfor concrete structures, tree paints, water and moisture barriers (aboveand below ground), wind and water erosion control, and weathermodification areas.

Buildings and building applications, such as: floors, e.g., dampproofingand waterproofing buildings and structures, floor compositions, tilesand coverings, insulating fabrics, papers, step treads; roofing, e.g.,building papers, built-up roof adhesives, felts, primes, caulkingcompounds, cement waterproofing compounds, cleats for roofing, glasswool compositions, insulating fabrics, felts, papers, joint filercompounds, laminated roofing, shingles, quid roof coatings, plasticcements, and shingles; walls, siding, ceilings, e.g., acoustical blocks,papers, dampproofing coatings, compositions, insulating board, fabrics,paper, joint filler compounds, masonry coatings, plaster boards, putty,asphalt, siding compositions, soundproofing, stucco base, and wallboard;hydraulics and erosion control applications, e.g., canal linings,sealants, catchment areas, basins, dam groutings, dam linings,protection, dike protection, ditch linings, drainage gutters,structures, embankment protection, groins, jetties, levee protection,mattresses for levee and bank protection, membrane linings,waterproofing, ore leaching pads, reservoir linings, revetments, sanddune stabilization, sewage lagoons, oxidation ponds, swimming pools,waste ponds, and water barriers.

Industrial applications, such as: aluminum oil compositions usingasphalt backed felts, conduit insulation, lamination, insulating boards,paint compositions, felts, brake linings, clutch facings, heavymachinery, heavy machinery parts, industrial oils, including but notlimited to hydraulic oils, compressor oils, turbine oils, bearing oils,gear oils, transformer (dielectric) oil, refrigeration oils,metalworking oils, and railroad oils, from heavy machinery, automobilesand automotive parts, motorcycles and motorcycle pads, motor oils,including but not limited to engine lubricating oil, vehicle crankcaseoil, transmission fluids, and gearbox and differential oils, tar onheavy machinery, automobiles, motorcycles, and the like, floor sounddeadeners, friction elements, insulating felts, panel boards, shimstrips, tacking strips, underseal, electrical, armature carbons,windings, battery boxes, carbons, electrical insulating compounds,papers, tapes, wire coatings, junction box compounds, embalming, etchingcompositions, extenders, rubber, and other compositions;

explosives, fire extinguisher compounds, joint fillers, lap cement,lubricating grease, pip coatings, dips, joint seals, plastic cements,plasticizers, preservatives, printing inks, well drilling fluid, woodencask liners, impregnated, bested materials, armored bituminized fabrics,burlap impregnation, canvas treating, carpeting medium, deck clothimpregnation, fabrics, fells, mildew prevention, packing papers, pipesand pipe wrapping, planks, rugs, asphalt base, saw dust cork, andasphalt compostions;

textiles, waterproofing, tiles, treated leather, wrapping papers,paints, varnishes, etc., acid-proof enamels, mastics, varnishes,acid-resistant coatings, air-drying paints, varnishes, anti-corrosiveand anti-fouling paints, anti-oxidants and solvents, base for solventcompositions, baking and heat resistant enamels, boat deck sealingcompound, lacquers, japans, marine enamels, belting, basting fuses,briquette binders, burial vaults, casting molds, clay articles, claypigeons, depilatory, expansion joints, flower pots, foundry cores,friction tape, gaskets, imitation leather, mirror backing, phonographrecords, rubber, molded compounds, show fillers, soles, and table tops;

airport runways, taxiways, aprons, etc., asphalt blocks, brick filers,bridge deck surfacing, crack filers, curbs, gutters, drainage ditches,floors for buildings, warehouses, garages, etc., highways, roads,streets, shoulders, padding lots, driveways, pcc underseal, roof-deckparking, sidewalk, footpaths, soil stabilization, ballast-treatment,curve lubricant, dust laying, paved ballast, sub-ballast, pavedcrossings, freight yards, station platforms, rail fliers, railroad ties,tie impregnating, stabilization, paved surfaces for dance pavilions,drive-in movies, gymnasiums, sports arenas, playgrounds, school yards,race tracks, running tracks, skating rinks, swimming and wading pools,tennis courts, handball courts, crude oil spills, wildlife cleanup, andtar sand separation.

IV. EXAMPLES

The following Examples have been included to illustrate representativeembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. In light of thepresent disclosure and the general level of skill in the art, those ofskill appreciate that the following Examples are intended to beexemplary only and that numerous changes, modifications, and alterationscan be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresently disclosed subject matter.

Example 1 General Procedure for the Preparation of a Silicone Oil(Polydimethylsiloxame) Emulsion

A predetermined aliquot of silicone oil (polydimethysiloxane) is mixedwith a predetermined aliquot of surfactant in a mixing tank. Apredetermined amount of water is added to the mixture with continuousmixing of the components to provide a stable silicone oil(polydimethylsiloxane) emulsion of the desired concentration.

For example, in an exemplary embodiment, a five (5) gallon sample of thepresently disclosed asphalt release agent was prepared by mixing 968.75g of silicone oil with a viscosity of 50 centipoise with 968.75 g of anonionic biodegradable surfactant, e.g., SYLGARD® 309 SiliconeSurfactant (Dow Corning Corp., Midland, Mich., United States ofAmerica), in a mixing tank. Seventeen liters of water along with anadditional 437 mL of water was added to the mixture with continuousmixing of the components to form a stable silicone oil(polydimethysiloxane) emulsion comprising 5% by weight silicone oil, 5%by weight surfactant, and 90% by weight water.

By using the presently disclosed methods, a mixture of 5 g silicone oil(polydimethylsiloxane), 5 g SYLGARD® 300 Silicone Surfactant, and 90 gwater formed a stable emulsion. Likewise, a mixture of 7.5 g siliconeoil (polydimethylsiloxane), 7.5 g SYLGARD® 300 Silicone Surfactant, and85 g water formed a stable emulsion. Further, a mixture of 10 g siliconeoil (polydimethylsiloxane), 10 g SYLGARD® 309 Silicon Surfactant, and 80g water formed a stable emulsion.

Example 2 General Procedure for Testing an Asphalt Release Agent

Provide a plate of aluminum, e.g., an 11.5″×10″ (115 in²; 741.934 cm²)aluminum plate. Clean the plate with limonene followed by alcohol.Prepare the desired dilution of the asphalt release agent and fill it inas spray bottle. Place the aluminum plate on a balance and zero (tar)the weight. Place the aluminum plate in a vertical position and spraythe asphalt release agent onto the aluminum plate in an up to downmotion until complete coverage of the aluminum plate is observed. Wipethe excess asphalt release agent off of the aluminum plate and thenreweigh the aluminum plate while coated with the asphalt release agent.Calculate the amount of asphalt release agent deposited onto thealuminum plate in gram per cm². Deposit hot asphalt heated to 320° F.onto the coated aluminum plate and allow the asphalt to cool to atemperature of 104° F. (40° C.). Slide the tray to determine if theasphalt will slide free, i.e., be released from, the aluminum plate.

In some embodiments, this test can be repeated without reapplying theasphalt release agent prior to depositing the hot asphalt onto thealuminum plate to determine the effectiveness of the asphalt releaseagent for multiple releases as demonstrated in Example 7 provided hereinbelow.

Example 3 Preparation and Testing of Mixture a

One (1) gram of SYLGARD® 309 Silicone Surfactant, 5 grams of siliconeoil and 94 grams of water were mixed as described in Example 1. Thisformulation results in an upper layer that mixes readily.

Ten (10) grams of Mixture A was evenly spread on an aluminum sheet 15measuring 18″×12″. A hot asphalt mix at 320° F. was added and allowed tocool to 170° F. This asphalt slid freely off of the aluminum sheetwithout leaving a trace of binder or aggregate on the aluminum sheet.

Ten (10) grams of Mixture A was evenly spread on an aluminum sheetmeasuring 18″×12″. A hot asphalt mix at 320° F. was added and allowed tocool to 180° F. This asphalt slid freely off of the aluminum sheetwithout leaving a trace of binder or aggregate on the aluminum sheet.

Ten (10) grams of Mixture A was evenly spread on an aluminum sheetmeasuring 10″×23″. A hot asphalt mix at 320° F. was added and allowed tocool to room temperature. This asphalt slid off of the aluminum sheetwithout leaving a trace of binder or aggregate on the aluminum sheet.

Five (5) grams of Mixture A was evenly spread on an aluminum sheetmeasuring 18″×12″. A hot asphalt mix at 320° F. was added and allowed tocool to 170° F. This asphalt slid freely off of the aluminum sheetwithout leaving a trace of binder or aggregate on the aluminum sheet.

Example 4 Preparation of Mixture B

Two (2) grams of SYLGARD® 309 Silicone Surfactant, five (5) grams ofsilicone oil, and 93 grams of water were mixed as described inExample 1. This formulation results in an upper layer that mixesreadily.

Example 5 Preparation and Testing of Mixture C

An emulsion comprising 5% silicone oil and 1% Aerosol OT 100 wasprepared as described in Example 1.

1.2 grams of Mixture C was evenly spread on an aluminum sheet. A hotasphalt mix at 320° F. was added and allowed to cool to roomtemperature. This asphalt slid off of the aluminum sheet without leavinga trace of binder or aggregate on the aluminum sheet.

1.7 grams of Mixture C was evenly spread on an aluminum sheet. A hotasphalt mix at 320° F. was added and allowed to cool to roomtemperature. This asphalt slid off of the aluminum sheet without leavinga trace of binder or aggregate on the aluminum sheet.

These results indicate that the emulsion can be diluted about fifty (50)times prior to application.

Example 6 Preparation and Testing of Mixture D

An emulsion comprising 5 wt % silicone oil, 5 wt % SYLGARD® 309 SiliconeSurfactant, and 90 wt % water was prepared as described in Example 1.Three (3) grams of Mixture D was sprayed onto an aluminum sheet. A hotasphalt mix at 320° F. was added and allowed to cool to 104° F. Thisasphalt freely slid off of the aluminum sheet without leaving a trace ofbinder or aggregate on the aluminum sheet.

In additional experiments, 5 g of Mixture D was sprayed onto a 10″×23″stainless steel plate (230 in², 0.1483868 m²). A hot asphalt mix at 320°F. (160° C.) was added to the stainless steel plate and allowed to coolto room temperature 70° F. (21° C.). This asphalt freely slid off of thestainless steel plate without leaving a trace of binder or aggregate onthe stainless steel plate. These results indicate that the amount ofsilicone oil needed to cover the surface and render it non-stick toasphalt, even if the asphalt is allowed to cool to room temperature, is0.3369 g/m² (0.0313 g/ft²).

In additional measurements, Mixture D was diluted 10 times with water,and the diluted mixture was sprayed on the plate and weighed. The weightof the sprayed diluted mixture is 3.04 grams. The degree of coverageexpressed in grams per square centimeter s 4.097×10⁻⁶ g/cm², whichaccounts for the diluted emulsion. For the effective material (siliconeoil and surfactant), the amount should be divided by 100 to yield thefollowing value: 4.097×10⁻⁸ g/cm².

In view of these experimental results, 7.338 g of the emulsion isrequired to cover one square meter of the surface or 0.626 g of theemulsion is required to cover one square foot of the metal surface andrender it a nonstick surface. A regular dump truck with a truck beddimension of 4 m (length)×2.5 m (width) equals 10 m² of the fat surfaceplus two long sides (2×1.6 m (high)×2.5 m (width) equals 8 m²) wouldhave a total surface area of 43.36 m² (466.7 ft²) which would requirecoating. Thus, a dump truck bed having this surface area would require318.20 mL (0.085 gallons) of the emulsion for a complete costing.Therefore, 0.1 gallon of Mixture D can be diluted ten times and sprayedonto the truck bed and box sides to render it nonstick.

Example 7 Demonstration of Multiple Releases

An emulsion comprising 5 wt % silicone oil, 5 wt % SYLGARD® SiliconeSurfactant, and 90 wt % water was prepared as described in Example 5.Three (3) grams of Mixture D was sprayed onto an aluminum sheet. A hotasphalt mix at 320° F. was added and allowed to cool to 104° F. Thisasphalt slid off of the aluminum sheet without leaving a trace of binderor aggregate on the aluminum sheet as described in Example 6.

Without reapplying Mixture D to the aluminum sheet, a hot asphalt mix at320° F. was added and allowed to cool to 104° F. This asphalt slid offof the aluminum sheet without leaving a trace of binder or aggregate onthe aluminum sheet. This step was repeated and the asphalt slid off ofthe aluminum sheet without leaving a trace of binder or aggregate on thealuminum sheet. This step was repeated a fourth time. This time it tooklonger for the cooled asphalt to slide off of the plate, wherein it lefta light trace of binder on the aluminum sheet.

Example 8 Mixture of Silicone Oil and Biodiesel

A one (1) mL aliquot of 5 wt % silicone oil, 5 wt % SYLGARD® SiliconeSurfactant, and 90 wt % biodiesel in 10 mL of water produced a stableemulsion, which was white in color.

Further, a 1 mL aliquot comprising 5 wt % Witconol® CO-550 (CromptonCorporation, Greenwich, Conn., United States of America), 5 wt %silicone oil, and 90 wt % biodiesel emulsifies well with 10 mL water andhad low foam. High speed mixing of silicone oil and Witconol® CO-360with water, results in a stable emulsion.

These results indicate that a formulation comprising a biodiesel basecan function as an asphalt release agent that can be diluted with waterprovided that an appropriate emulsifier is added.

Example 9 Physical Properties of Emulsions

An emulsion comprising 5 wt % silicone oil, 5 wt % surfactant, and 90 wt% water forms a stable emulsion. The flash points of such emulsions werefound to be above laboratory limits, i.e., it does not flash.

Formulations comprising either 5 wt % surfactant or 2.5 wt % surfactantframe at −10° C. This observation suggests that an anti-freeze agent,e.g., ethylene glycol, can be added to decrease the freezing point.Accordingly, it was found that a formulation comprising 10 wt % ethyleneglycol, 5 wt % silicone oil, 5 wt % SYLGARD® Silicone Surfactant, and 80wt % water lowered the freezing point to −20° C.

It will be understood that various details of the presently describedsubject matter can be changed without departing from the scope of thepresently described subject matter. Furthermore, the foregoingdescription is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for thepurpose of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for promoting the release of an organicmaterial from a substrate, the method comprising: (a) providing asubstrate; (b) applying a non-flammable release composition to thesubstrate before contacting the substrate with the organic material,wherein the release composition comprises: (i) a silicone oil component;and (ii) an alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant; and (c) contacting thesubstrate with the organic material.